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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Driver jailed after car hit store

A suspected intoxicated driver whom deputies believe had heroin inside his car was arrested after crashing into a convenience store Wednesday night. Jacob E. Bonanno, 24, of Elk, rolled his Pontiac Grand Am into the Shell gas station at 618 W. Francis Ave. about 10 p.m., according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Neither the car nor the building was damaged, but an employee called 911, and a sheriff’s deputy who “recognized Bonanno from prior contacts” watched as he staggered while washing his car windshield, the sheriff’s office said. A drug recognition expert with the Washington State Patrol responded, and a deputy found suspected black tar heroin in a plastic bag inside the car. A search revealed syringes and other paraphernalia. Bonanno was booked into jail on two misdemeanors, driving under the influence of drugs and third-degree driving while license suspended. Felony drug charges may be filed after the suspected heroin is tested, the Sheriff’s Office said.